TV upgrades technology

(CNS): Local  cable and communications firm WestTel /WestStar TV Limited have broken ground on a $15 million, seven-year project delivering Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) for all of Grand Cayman.  The firm says that Fibre-to-the-Premises is highly superior compared to traditional networks with high capacity communications solutions delivered on a fibre optic platform, outperforming copper based networks.

“We have consciously chosen to direct our attention and substantial investment to what our customers say is most important – service,” said WestTel CEO, Mike Edenholm when officials from WestTel Limited, WestStar TV Limited, and ABC Trenching broke ground on 14  November. “With the fibre roll out, we are able to raise the standard of telecommunications in Grand Cayman, offering faster and more reliable data and voice services at affordable prices.” 

WestTel will install fibre directly into the business or home, making more bandwidth available it said in a release.  This option is a larger investment for WestTel than combining with existing coaxial or copper infrastructure, but is ideal for customers who need the fastest connection speeds available.  The fibre network also creates redundancy for WestTel’s existing infrastructure making it more resilient while eliminating latency.

The first phase is focused on delivering fibre-optic infrastructure to corporations.  Initially, the network will go from Television Centre to Camana Bay, then up West Bay Road to Governors Square.

Technical Project Manager, Pauline Biron added: “We are rolling out fibre to corporations first because they demand super high-speed data and voice services, particularly in the financial sector which depends heavily on communications networks to conduct business.”

Phase 2 will be deploying Triple Play: HDTV, High-speed Data, and Voice to residences along West Bay Road.  Phases 3 through 7 will bring fibre coverage throughout the rest of Grand Cayman.